Gov. Bill Walker has bravely announced huge cuts in the operating and capital budgets. These cuts will impinge upon my favorite programs.

Just like you, I’m one of those much maligned “special interests.” My special interests may be different from yours, but we all have our favorites that depend on state funding. Most of us advocate those interests with our governor and legislators.

When the Alaska Aerospace Corporation was created by the Legislature almost two decades ago, the direction for the company was clear: “space-related economic growth, thereby ensuring a stable and dynamic research and business climate by attracting space-related businesses to locate within and utilize the opportunities provided in the state.” (A.S. 26.27.090)

It’s unfortunate your editorial has seized upon the Mount Polley mine tailings storage facility failure to undermine the long tradition of respectful relations and co-operation between British Columbia and Alaska on mining development and environmental protection.

For the last four decades, Alaskans have waited to see their North Slope natural gas developed and brought both to Alaskan homes and global markets. Over the last three years, the leadership in the House and Senate, and the previous Parnell administration, had worked tirelessly to get our state towards that objective. What has the result been?

Today it will be 4:20 all day as Alaskans celebrate legalized recreational marijuana in the state.

Some might consider this day a victory. Others will call it a milestone. A few will say it’s a tragedy. One thing we know for certain is that things are about to change in the Last Frontier. Whether that change is perceived as positive or negative will partially be up to those of you who plan to celebrate today, tomorrow and each day after.

Thumbs up to happiness. Last week, the Gallup polling agency released the results of its 2014 well-being rankings, and Alaska was at the top — No. 1 in health and well-being across all 50 states. Before you go out and celebrate, know that the survey is based on self-reported data, which makes it a little suspect. We all just might be really good at lying to pollsters (and after last election, we certainly have plenty of practice.) Still, Alaska has been in the top 10 of the well-being rankings since 2008, which means there’s probably something to that No. 1 ranking.

Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the United States, and suicide has had a particularly devastating impact on rural and village Alaska, where so many young people, most of whom are Alaska Native, take their lives each year. During my six years in this state, I have been edified and encouraged by the efforts of Native elders, mental health professionals, teachers, parents, youths and religious leaders to help those who are most susceptible to suicide and encourage them to choose life over death.